Wondering what you should play on Sony’s new PlayStation VR2 headset? We’ve been putting a dozen PSVR2 launch games through their paces to see what they’re all about. Let’s get to it!
The lonely PSVR2 exclusive
Horizon: Call of the Mountain
Developer: Firesprite, Guerrilla | Publisher: Sony | $59.99
PSVR2 Exclusive
With arguably the sole responsibility of carrying the PSVR2 launch, Call of the Mountain is probably on most players’ purchase lists. In it, you explore the world of Horizon largely by climbing and shooting arrows. If you’re not enamored with the world already, there’s less to love. Part of the game’s joy is watching creatures walk by or meeting Aloy. It’s a pretty environment even without context, but that context is of clear value.
Besides that, though? This is a game about grabbing stuff. The climbing mechanic, by virtue of the still-limited technology, feels more like dragging the world around you. That means you generally feel safe, which should help many to comfortably play! But still, it makes longer climbing sequences a… well, a real drag. The swinging feels better, so we love that part. But the primary issue with traversal is that it’s all very scripted. That’s true with Horizon proper, and truly, with Sony first-party development as a whole. But with a game focused on climbing, we wish we could feel like we’re problem-solving.
The archery is, unsurprisingly, a strength for the game, as VR has repeatedly proven its expertise at replicating that. We continue to be not-great at archery, which is also accurate to the real world! But this still feels nice. And the game generally doesn’t throw a ton of it at you in a row.
Call of the Mountain wants to be very serious with its storytelling, but it also puts instruments and paint and such everywhere for you to be silly. It’s certainly not alone in this tactic; we see it a lot in VR games. But it works better in a multiplayer context. By yourself, this silly stuff feels a bit out of place and takes you out of the immersion.
The prestige PSVR2 game re-releases
Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge
Developer: ILMxLAB | Publisher: Disney | $49.99
Also on Quest
It’s legitimately cool to hang out in Star Wars environments in VR, and Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge knows that well. Though we do wish we spent more time in identifiable environments from the films and shows, the game instead mostly focuses on the area most notably depicted in the Disney theme parks. The game was initially released on Oculus platforms in 2020, and escapes its exclusivity with this port.
Galaxy’s Edge tells most of its story using theme park techniques, like video screens and characters behind counters. (Which does makes sense, given the game’s origins!) This allows them to present things how they want without worrying about anything breaking, but it does lead to a limited amount of meaningful interaction.
Rez Infinite / Tetris Effect: Connected
Developer: Enhance, Resonair, Monstars, Stage Games | Publisher: Enhance | $29.99 / $39.99
Also on PSVR, PC, Quest
While they’re not new, both Rez Infinite and Tetris Effect benefit greatly from the increased immersion of the new headset’s tracking and resolution. Rez Infinite adds eye tracking to its suite of control options, and we really liked what it added to the game.
Tetris Effect does allow you to configure the new Sense controllers to play, but we tried that, and we can’t recommend the standard controller enough. This game needs a D-pad and super-precise movements and timing. Still: we love Tetris Effect in VR, so however you can get it, do.
Moss / Moss: Book II
Developer: Polyarc | Publisher: Polyarc | $19.99 / $29.99 / Both for $39.99
Also on PSVR, PC, Quest
The Moss games are sort of the gold standard for seated VR experiences. They’re designed around looking around at diorama-like environments, helping a little mouse friend navigate and solve puzzles. While they’re not a showpiece for a lot of PSVR2’s tech, they do benefit from the headset’s additional fidelity. The vibrant, high-res displays and better tracking make for a more seamless viewing experience. And if this is your first foray into VR? It’s a great time to try out one of the medium’s marquee franchises.
The PSVR2 toys
What the Bat?
Developer: Triband | Publisher: Triband | $24.99
Also on PC, Quest
From the people behind What the Golf?, this follow-up takes a similar approach with bats instead of a golf club. It’s genuinely funny, and though it doesn’t flow in the same way as Golf?, it’s about as close as VR gets right now. If you’re looking for a showpiece for the new tech, this game ain’t it — it was certainly designed from the start to work well with even the cheapest hardware — but it’s definitely worth a look if you’re seeking a chuckle.
Tentacular
Developer: Firepunchd | Publisher: Devolver | $24.99
Also on PC, Quest
Similar in concept is Tentacular, which gives you tentacle arms instead of bat arms. Its challenges are a bit longer, and it means more into the physics hijinks of something like Human Fall Flat or Octodad than Bat?‘s scripted visual gags. It’s probably most fun with an audience, as you can have a good time watching someone struggle with the unwieldy appendages. There’s just enough creativity to solving the game’s puzzles to keep us coming back, too.
Startenders
Developer: Foggy Box | Publisher: Yogscast Games | $14.99
Also on PSVR, PC, Quest
That audience thing is especially true with our last entry in the category. Startenders is the sort of game for people who like being overwhelmed. That isn’t us, exactly? You’re a bartender in space, as you’d probably guess, and you have to essentially do tasks in sequence using machines around you. Precision and speed is hard in VR, and keeping track of abstract symbols and such can be a whole thing. But it’s a popular genre, and it’d probably make a good stream game.
Cosmonious High
Developer: Owlchemy Labs | Publisher: Owlchemy Labs | $29.99
Also on PC, Quest
Known for its successful miniature playgrounds in Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator, Owlchemy Labs quickly mastered the art of the VR chuckle. With Cosmonious High, the studio has moved from building ideal first VR experiences to doing something with a bit more depth and variety. We found endearing characters, fun little challenges and ample opportunities to show creativity and personality. It feels like a kids’ game at first, but it’s fun for all ages.
Other notable PSVR2 games
Garden of the Sea
Developer: Neat Corporation | Publisher: Neat Corporation | $24.99
Also on PC, Quest
The only game in our PlayStation VR2 roundup that lets you give cute animal friends scritches, Garden of the Sea seeks to offer a similar appeal as Animal Crossing but with a focus on the presence of VR. It’s built on gameplay that wouldn’t necessarily be compelling outside VR: basic crafting and gathering and such. But inside VR? It works. It’s about meeting little friends! And accomplishing tasks to make your friends happy! And then meeting new friends!
A lot of VR games choose to build detailed worlds only to make most of it set dressing. We prefer experiences like Garden that make sure what’s there has purpose and presence.
Demeo
Developer: Resolution Games | Publisher: Resolution Games | $39.99
Also on PC, Quest
Demeo is one of those games that understands the value of presence. Its gameplay is rather simple, and it’s been done before: tabletop-style dungeon combat. But looking around and messing with the pieces is compelling, and the controls and implementation here feel right.
It’s always going to be a challenge to do traditional game things in VR, as you’ll inevitably compare to non-VR titles with a lot more content and depth. That is true here, for sure, but we’ve enjoyed our time. We’d love meaningful character customization and longer campaigns in the future, but it sacrifices a bit of both in the name of approachability and that’s probably the right choice.
Warning: looking down for a long time in any headset does bad things to your neck, and Demeo‘s tabletop action does that full-time. If you plan to play a whole campaign with friends, build in time for breaks.
The Tale of Onogoro
Developer: Amata K.K. | Publisher: Amata K.K. | $34.99
Also on PSVR, PC, Quest
We understand that the Siliconera audience might be particularly interested in The Tale of Onogoro, a PSVR2 launch title that stands out through its anime aesthetic. In it, you interact with a young woman chained to a boulder as your movement and her abilities solve puzzles.
Still, we’re not entirely sure who’d be psyched about the resulting game. Most of the time, you’re just dragging things around, so it isn’t a gameplay marvel. And if you’re here for the anime? It doesn’t do much with the format. Say what you will about Summer Lesson, but it used the presence of VR in effective ways. Onogoro uses some stiff animation and even stiffer voice acting to display a character near you, never once feeling truly there or interactive.
There are more PlayStation VR2 titles on the way! And if we think you’ll like ’em? We’ll give them a try for ya. For now, we hope we’ve given you a good sense of the launch lineup.
The PlayStation VR2 is available for purchase now for $549.99 through the PlayStation Direct site. For more of Siliconera’s PSVR2 games coverage, including a full review of the hardware, check out our archive.
Published: Mar 10, 2023 03:00 pm